Yes! Park Dental Does Treat Children

Finding a dentist for your child can happen in a number of different ways. It may occur almost automatically. If you have been seeing a general dentist for yourself and your spouse for some time, it should be quite natural to bring your toddler to the same dentist when they begin to develop teeth. At Park Dental, many families work with one dentist and one dental practice for many years. The surroundings are familiar, it’s comfortable and convenient, and you can develop a lasting relationship with your dentist and hygienist, who get to know you and your family’s needs.

I could not encourage this approach more. My colleagues at Park Dental Champlin and I examine and treat many children in our practice every month. I thoroughly enjoy working with children, and I encourage my patients with little ones to bring them in within six to 12 months after their first teeth erupt.

Parents may also look at other options, such as a pediatric dentist – a specialist in kids’ teeth. I asked my colleague, Dr. Adam Ridgeway, a pediatric dentist with The Dental Specialists (Park Dental’s sister company), why a parent might consider taking their child to him. He said parents might consider a pediatric dentist because:

• The child may have special needs or behavioral issues. Pediatric dentists are specially trained to deal with these.
• There may be a surgical need, and the sedation capabilities of a pediatric dentist might be required.
• The child may have had extensive treatment with large cavities or have oral growth and development concerns with possible space maintenance needs.
• Anxiety is an issue to overcome. Pediatric dentists treat only children, and the environment is very kid-centric and comforting.

He also said he sees many kids who do not fall into any of these categories. Their parents simply prefer to take their children to a practice where kids are the sole focus.

While Dr. Ridgeway is an excellent option for any child, pediatric dentists, as a whole, are a rare commodity. “Unfortunately, we can’t serve every child,” he says. “We have three pediatric dentists within our group. So, there are far more general dentists out there.” Ultimately, he says, parents need to make the best choice for their child and their family. I agree completely.

For children’s ordinary dental needs, Park Dental provides easy and convenient access. As your family grows, the option to schedule concurrent Saturday appointments for all your children is a real time-saver; there’s no need to pull them out of school to see the dentist. Weekday appointments are available, of course, if you prefer.

Park Dental is a great choice for your kids’ dental care. Call us today to schedule an appointment and start your child on the road to a lifetime of good oral health.

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